I’m Maya Payne Smart, a lover of caffeine, books, and justice. A wife, mom and community advocate, I split my “me time” between speed reading and slow writing. My specialty? Covering dynamic women who lift as they climb.

I love a good lifestyle blog and thought the space could use some more color.

I pledge not to bore you with souped-up photos of my daily outfits. Trust me, there are only so many ways to wear burnt orange. (I’m the new first lady of Texas men’s basketball). I will also steer clear of horribly executed but beautifully photographed DIY projects. (When it comes to home repairs, I’m a leader in the HAPpier movement. That is, hire a professional.)

Instead, expect an eclectic mix of advice, book reviews and social commentary inspired by daily life as lived by me.

I’ve got big dreams and a small child, so tips for the work-hard-sleep-short set are my sweet spot. I appreciate when a blogosphere tidbit saves me time or money and I hope to pay it forward. Whether recommending a book or a beach, caffeine or a cause, I aim to instruct, amuse and excite.

Writing for the heck of it is new to me.

For years, I wrote only for hire. Before Zora, I was a business journalist who wrote hundreds of articles for publications ranging from local weeklies to national mega-sites. I also taught freelancers how to run profitable writing businesses in workshops for the Reynolds Center for Business Journalism at Arizona State University, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Society of American Business Editors and Writers.

Hey There, I’m Maya!

I’m Maya Payne Smart, a book lover and reviewer. I split my time between speed reading and slow writing, usually about dynamic women who lift as they climb. My specialty? Delivering life-changing reads to world-changing women.